What if kids could master their academics in just two hours a day and spend the rest of their time developing real-world skills they’re passionate about? Joe Liemandt, founder of the software company Trilogy, is doing just that. Sarah Guo and Elad Gil are joined by Joe Liemandt, principal of Alpha School, to discuss his AI-driven vision of reinventing K-12 education. Joe talks about the strategies that Alpha School employs: reducing the traditional six-hour school day to two, replacing teachers with “Guides,” using financial incentives as motivation, and dedicating the remainder of the school day to project-based workshops that reflect the students’ passions. Together, they also examine Joe’s plan to scale Alpha School, the youth mental health crisis, and why edtech so far has failed.

Sign up for new podcasts every week. Email feedback to [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: @NoPriorsPod | @Saranormous | @EladGil | @AlphaSchoolATX

Chapters:

00:00 – Joe Liemandt Introduction

00:27 – From Trilogy to Alpha School

02:45 – How Joe Changed His Mind About Alpha School

04:16 – Reenvisioning the School Day

09:06 – An Example Day at Alpha School

20:13 – Educating Based on Motivations

22:56 – Incentives-Based Learning

24:40 – Standards for Guides

26:39 – Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivators

35:12 – Tackling Learning Differences 

39:13 – Alpha School Pricing Structure

43:08 – Education Tech at Alpha School

44:54 – Rebuilding Education in the AI Age

48:43 – Reforming Education Policy

56:25 – Ed Tech as a Product

58:58 – Fixing Gaps in Education

59:45 – Why Education is Joe’s Mission

01:01:49 – Conclusion